4 cool Japanese brands to check out at Jugaad14 in Omotesando

Jugaad14 is a Japanese brand that produces all its sunglasses in Sabae, Fukui prefecture, Japan's leading city for eyewear manufacturing, renowned for producing top-quality glasses. The brand offers various styles of frames and different coloured lenses, from which you can mix and match to create 200 combinations. Regardless of the combo you choose, the sunglasses remain an affordable ¥9,900. 

Along with being stylish and functional, sustainability is one of the brand’s key factors. As such, Jugaad14’s eyewear is made using ethically sourced materials including eco-conscious, lightweight and biodegradable plastic that weighs only 23 grams. A portion of the sales from the sunglasses is also donated to Umi no Hane, an organisation that supports ocean conservation.

While no metal is used in the frames, the material is just as sturdy and doesn’t bend or damage easily. Additionally, the brand uses polarised photochromic lenses that automatically adjust their shade in response to UV rays, making them practical and easy to wear in various situations. It’s rare to find polarised photochromic lenses for just ¥9,900, making these stylish glasses a worthy investment. The frames are also designed with higher nose pads, making them ideal for Asian features.

This Omotesando venue is the only brick and mortar store where you can view the full collection and try on the glasses in person. The shop also carries reading glasses made from the same frames. ¥9,900 each

Everyone can appreciate a stylish and functional handbag, and The Art of Carrying offers just that. Launched in 2023, the brand produces stylish bags using vegan leather and other cruelty-free materials. The bags are classic in shape but contemporary in design, and they come in a variety of sizes including large tote bags ideal for school or work, fashionable bucket-style bags for everyday use, and even small pouches which are great for organising. 

The bags by the Art of Carrying are made from GRS faux leather, which are almost as soft as the real thing. Better yet, they are durable and very easy to clean, unlike real leather. The brand also has a colourful collection of translucent bags made from TPU plastic. You’ll also find small drawstring bags (¥4,950), which you can place inside the TPU totes so that your personal belongings are not visible. Handbags from ¥17,600

Keep your feet stylish and comfortable with Yuqri, a Tokyo-based brand focused on creating quality and fashionable socks made with innovative new technology. All the socks feature special deodorising and antibacterial properties, which help decrease odours within 30 seconds of wearing and minimise smells by 90 percent within ten minutes. This unique technology is weaved right into the socks and also offers excellent durability, making them long-lasting and resistant to repeated wear and washing.

These functional socks are also trendy. They come in a variety of colours and styles including thicker pile socks ideal for colder weather, sheer socks that can be worn comfortably in shoes and sandals, and even fuzzy socks with fun faux fur detailing.

Yuqri socks are available for men and women come in one size that fits 22cm-27cm feet. Socks from ¥1,980

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to add some cashmere to your wardrobe. Jugaad14 carries a selection of knitwear from Elegancese, a Japanese label that sources all its cashmere from Mongolia.

The knitwear pieces are made from 100 percent Hanshan cashmere, an area in the easternmost part of inner Mongolia known for its premium fibres. This pristine landscape is surrounded by lush greenery and as it’s straddled between warm and cold regions, the Hanshan goats get to feed on food that is rich in minerals. This results in cashmere wool that has a beautiful lustre and pure whiteness which absorbs colour easily.

For the autumn/winter season, Elegancese offers cosy beanies, hand warmers, waffle knit handkerchiefs and a range of large scarves. There’s also a versatile women’s camisole that can be worn four ways. For those who enjoy layering, the gorgeous sweater vest comes in four colours: dark and light grey, red, and cream. Cashmere items from ¥11,000

Check out Jugaad14’s website for the product range and the latest lookbook.